The GREEN Team

(On July 2, 2013, Cynthia Pruitt and Jim Stevens, two members of the Mayor’s Climate Protection Committee of Edmonds interviewed Carolyn Chapel and Gayla Shoemake, members of the Green Team at the Edmonds United Methodist Church to learn this group’s success story with increasing energy efficiency and sustainability at the church. The following article describes their motivation, efforts, and results.)

Sometimes energy efficiency proves contagious. About 8 years ago, Carolyn Chapel of the Edmonds United Methodist Church included a notice into the church bulletin asking for interest in starting a green team to address climate change. This group today numbers 12 members. One of the keys they found along the way is the value of leading by example. Because this group is now viewed as a touchstone for greening the church and its operations, members of the green team note that others now contact them for advice on making their events or interests more sustainable.

First, the team looked at the use of Styrofoam cups at the church and the cradle-to-grave impacts of that material. Because they knew some folks already used only washable cups for their functions, they also knew it was doable for all functions. They responded successfully to concerns voiced about the energy, soap, and water consumed by dishwashers with the numbers showing Styrofoam’s impact. To paraphrase Carolyn, it didn’t save the world, but it gave them a great and visible starting point for the rest of the things that we wanted to accomplish. Gayla Shoemake, one of the original team members and now its chair, said that Dave Walters, the individual who manages maintenance at the church, became not just a believer, but a willing advocate, when he saw them washing cups themselves and sorting refuse for recycling.

One of the biggest things this group tackled was the replacement of the church’s heating system. The old furnace was the focus of a two-year project that began with researching existing conditions, examining options, and field trips to installations. It concluded when the new system was financed and installed. Gayla describes it as really cool because of the digital controls that allow it to be adjusted remotely. It is also zoned so that it works to heat only those areas being used. Because of the heightened energy efficiency of the new system, the church was also able to leverage utility rebates for choosing it. In the first year alone savings in heating costs amounted to $6000.

The green team has worked on a number of other ideas and programs, including Earth Day events, bicycle advocacy, and water conservation. Working with the congregation has given them a unique perspective on what produces the best results with larger groups. They recommend starting small with something that makes a difference, walking the talk, recognizing that change takes time and not being discouraged, doing something different to help gain a foothold, using other organizations (utilities, community groups, governmental entities) to assist, and involving the larger group whenever possible to find optimal solutions.

Carolyn looks to the future to explain her motivation in starting this committee. She sees what climate change is on track to do to the world owned by her children and grandchildren, and she believes there is a moral issue that needs addressing. Gayla points first to the past and her mother’s influence. She also notes as a child she grew up in a small town in Kansas that had been so dry that her area became the subject of an article in Life magazine. Clearly both demonstrate a firm commitment to the cause of sustainability, and it is obvious their team’s efforts are enhanced by their enthusiasm and energy that have proven downright infectious within their faith community.

Subscribe to Update on Edmonds

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

By clicking subscribe, I acknowledge that the information I am submitting to the City of Edmonds is public record, as defined by the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. Accordingly, should the City of Edmonds receive a public records request to which this document is responsive, the City of Edmonds shall disclose the record unless otherwise exempt.